Tennessee Valley Authority
Tupelo, Mississippi
Power Supply Upgrade
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in Union and Lee Counties, Mississippi. The proposed project includes 12-15 miles of new transmission line.
The new transmission line is needed to improve the electric reliability of the area by providing an additional connection between two substations. The additional connection would relieve possible overloading on existing lines.
TVA will hold an open house on September 13, 2012 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
Proposed Project
The proposed project consists of a new 161-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, which would create a third connection between the Union 500-kV Substation and the Tupelo 161-kV Substation. The Union Substation is located north of Highway 78 near Sherman, Mississippi. The Tupelo Substation is located near the intersection of Highways 278 and 45.
The new Union-Tupelo No. 3 line would consist of both new and existing transmission lines.
- The 12-15 miles of new transmission line would extend from the Union 500-kV Substation to the Turner Park 161-kV Substation, located in the Turner Industrial Park near the intersection of Highway 45 and Natchez Trace Parkway.
- The existing 6.6 mile Tupelo-Turner Park Transmission Line would be used to complete the connection to the Tupelo Substation.
TVA is considering several possible line routes. The proposed 12-15 miles of new transmission line would consist of steel pole structures centered on a new 100-foot-wide right-of-way. However, some of the possible routes under consideration share right of way with existing lines.
The project is expected to be in service by summer of 2016 with construction beginning during the summer of 2014.
Public involvement
TVA's process for locating new transmission projects is designed to allow public input at all stages. TVA is committed to working with area stakeholders to address concerns during the course of the project. Comments received during the comment period will be used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA will hold an informal open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project. Details are as follows:
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Anytime between 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. CDT
BancorpSouth Conference Center – Sweet Gum Room
387 East Main Street
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804
TVA representatives at the open house will provide information, answer questions and accept comments. Large maps showing the study area and possible routes will be available at the open house.
TVA is interested in receiving comments concerning how this project may affect the environment and/or historic properties and any other issues associated with the proposal. Comments will be used in reaching a decision on location of the preferred route for the line. Any written comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
If you have special needs, please contact Tanya Adams at least five days prior to the meeting toll-free at (800) 362-4355.
If you cannot attend the meeting but have questions or comments, contact Chris Austin (see contact information). All written comments on this proposed action should be sent to TVA no later than October 15, 2012.
Map
The map is a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use the zoom tool to view details of the map and allow time for it to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA.
The map shows the network of possible routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Possible routes of proposed transmission line (PDF, 1.3 mb)
Environmental reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized. TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements, private property impacts, and environmental impacts associated with this project.
Project schedule
Open house: September 13, 2012
Comments accepted: through October 15, 2012
Determine preferred route for field surveys: fall 2012
Environmental surveys: spring 2013
Construction begins: summer 2014
Project in service: June 2016